West Nile Virus Infection in Hamsters: A Model for Encephalitis
Author Information
Author(s): Shu-Yuan Xiao, Hilda Guzman, Hui Zhang, Amelia P.A. Travassos da Rosa, Robert B. Tesh
Primary Institution: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
Hypothesis
Can hamsters serve as a model for studying West Nile virus encephalitis?
Conclusion
Hamsters develop encephalitic symptoms and persistent viral infection after West Nile virus inoculation, making them a useful model for studying the disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Hamsters showed moderate viremia lasting 5 to 6 days after infection.
- Clinical signs of encephalitis appeared 6 days post-infection.
- Half of the infected hamsters died between days 7 and 14.
- Viral antigen was detected in the brain starting on day 6.
- Persistent infection was observed in some hamsters up to 53 days after infection.
Takeaway
Researchers used hamsters to study how West Nile virus affects the brain, finding that the virus can stay in the body for a long time and cause serious illness.
Methodology
Adult female hamsters were infected with West Nile virus and observed for symptoms, viremia, and antibody response over several days.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of persistent infection beyond 52 days.
Participant Demographics
Adult female hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) weighing 70 to 100 g.
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